Shaheen Jafargholi lives with his mother, Karen Thomas, who is separated from Shaheen's father, Iraj Jafargholi, a computer consultant[1] of Iranian descent.[2][3] The separation was amicable and Shaheen sees his father regularly. He is currently in the Mark Jermin Stage School on Saturdays,[4] in Swansea. He was featured in a BBC Wales documentary series called Starstruck where cameras followed children of the stage school for six months.[3][5] In 2014 Jafargholi performed as 'The Genie' in The New Victoria Theatre's pantomime, 'Aladdin'.

In 2009, Jafargholi took part in Britain's Got Talent, series 3, episode 2. His first audition song was a cover of the Amy Winehouse version of The Zutons song, "Valerie". Simon Cowell ended the song after two lines and remarked: "You got this really wrong."[3] Unusually, Cowell requested that Jafargholi sing another song, as he felt the first song did not suit Jafargholi. After a moment of hesitation, Jafargholi rallied and sang Michael Jackson's "Who's Lovin' You". This performance was highly credited by the audience and the judges, earning a standing ovation.

Jafargholi's previous experience has led to criticism by some fans of Britain's Got Talent as they believe the competition should be open to amateurs only. In response, a spokesman for the show said: "Britain's Got Talent is open to everyone whether they are a professional or an amateur. What Shaheen has done in the past has no bearing on his role on Britain's Got Talent."[11]

As a result of his appearance in the talent contest, Jafargholi was signed to present a one-hour show on his local radio station Bay Radio. Broadcast director Andy Griffiths, said: "Shaheen will take centre stage in our bank holiday schedule. He will present it himself, picking his favourite songs, talking about his experiences on the show and offering advice to other kids on how they can succeed."[13]

For the semi-final Jafargholi chose "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" from the musical Dreamgirls. When the judges were about to choose the second place between Jafargholi and dance troupe MD Showgroup, Simon Cowell chose MD Showgroup, but Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan selected Jafargholi. During the final on 30 May 2009, Jafargholi performed "Who's Lovin' You", the song which he had sung during his audition, and received a standing ovation from the audience. He did not rank among the top three acts in the final, but finished in 7th place.

Jafargholi's performance was preceded by the eulogy from the song's writer, Smokey Robinson. Following Jafargholi's tribute, Larry King leaned forward and asked Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, "Who is that"? Gordy, who, according to King, was moved by the performance, reportedly replied, "I have no cotton pickin' idea who that is, but if I were [still] in the business, I would sign him tomorrow."[15]

In May 2010, it was reported that Jafargholi had signed a record deal with Island Records UK, with a debut album due for release the following November.[16] He had also filmed an online reality show named "The Real Shaheen", a fly-on-the-wall documentary on Jafargholi's career over the previous year, which aired from July 2010. As well as recording in London, Jafargholi flew to New York City and Atlanta in July/August 2010.

In September 2010, Jafargholi announced details for his debut album and single. A double A-side single of "Last Train Home", written by Vince Kidd and Paul O'Duffy and produced by Paul O'Duffy and "Hip Teens" (also produced by O'Duffy) was due to be released on 22 November 2010. A press release described "Last Train Home" as an "original string-soaked ballad with a nod to an era gone by", while "Hip Teens" is a cover of soul group Frank Popp's 2007 hit "Hip Teens (Don't Wear Blue Jeans)". Videos were shot for both tracks. The album was to be called "When I Come of Age"', and was said to be a mixture of original material and rare '60s soul covers. Jafargholi collaborated with top US producers Jerry Wonda and Igloo & TC (best known for their work with Whitney Houston, The Black Eyed Peas and Backstreet Boys) and UK producers Paul O'Duffy, Jimmy Hogarth and Martin Terefe for the album.[17]

In November, it was announced that the single and album were being delayed until March 2011 "due to huge international interest and some exciting overseas opportunities",[17] but to date they have never been released.